Local headlines from Lafayette and the surrounding parishes, updated hourly.
Early voting has begun for Louisiana's June 27 election, with particular significance for St. Landry Parish residents who will vote across two different congressional districts. This redistricting makes the election especially important for the parish as voters are now split between multiple representation areas. Louisiana voters can cast their ballots during the early voting period ahead of the election date.
Read moreState lawmakers have approved legislation that would allow local 911 districts, including Lafayette's, to increase the monthly surcharge on phone lines from $1.25 to up to $2. This fee increase is designed to help Lafayette's 911 system keep pace with growing technology costs. The higher surcharge could provide additional funding needed to maintain and upgrade emergency services infrastructure.
Read moreSoldiers from the Louisiana Army National Guard's 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, known as the Tiger Brigade, have been honored with the Louisiana War Cross for their service during deployments to Kosovo and the Horn of Africa. The award recognizes the brigade's honorable federal service and dedication to their missions abroad. This recognition highlights the contributions of Louisiana's military personnel to national defense efforts.
Read moreLafayette residents along West Simcoe Street are calling on the city to address homelessness issues affecting their neighborhood, as encampments are moving onto private property. While sympathetic to those experiencing homelessness, residents are demanding increased action from city leadership and the Lafayette Police Department. The situation reflects growing concerns about balancing compassion with the need for solutions to the homeless crisis in the community.
Read moreThe Sunset Volunteer Fire Department is facing a financial crisis that threatens its ability to operate as an independent department after serving the community since 1937. The department is proposing a 10 millage rate property tax that residents will vote on June 27 to keep services operational. The vote will determine whether the fire department can continue providing fire protection to Sunset residents.
Read moreNeal Richard, an Abbeville businessman who was recently elected to the city council's District A seat on May 16, has died at age 58. Richard passed away on Wednesday following his overwhelming victory in the local election. His death marks an unexpected loss for the Abbeville community just weeks after his decisive electoral win.
Read moreA 54-year-old Port Barre woman has been arrested by local police for leaving her 2-year-old grandchild unattended at home. The incident highlights ongoing child welfare concerns in the local community. Port Barre Police responded to reports of the abandoned toddler and took the grandmother into custody.
Read moreA trial for Rev. Korey Lavergne, an Acadia Parish priest accused of child sex abuse, has been rescheduled after District Court Judge David Smith recused himself from the case. Lavergne faces three counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile. A new judge will need to be assigned to oversee the proceedings.
Read moreFour individuals were arrested and charged with drug offenses following a traffic stop in Lafayette Parish. A subsequent search warrant resulted in the seizure of large quantities of drugs and money. The arrests represent a significant drug enforcement operation in the local area.
Read moreA 26-year-old Lafayette man, Bryan Giovanny Torres, was arrested on June 11, 2026, following a joint investigation by the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. Torres faces 10 felony counts of child sexual abuse materials involving minors under age 13. The arrest was the result of coordinated efforts between state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Read moreA 22-year-old man from Las Vegas has been arrested and extradited to Lafayette Parish to face felony charges for online exploitation of an Acadiana child. Christian Jonathan Carnes is accused of internet-based crimes targeting a local minor. The case involves multiple felony charges related to child exploitation.
Read moreNarcotics agents arrested Rainey and Randy Leblanc on June 4, 2026, at their Abbeville residence following an investigation into suspected drug dealing. Agents discovered methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, prescription medications, drug paraphernalia, firearms, and currency believed to be connected to narcotics activity during the bust.
Read moreSummer heat and humidity will persist today with scattered cooling storms expected. A Gulf of Mexico disturbance is forecast to bring heavy rainfall and potential flooding to the Acadiana area beginning Monday.
Read moreSummer heat and humidity will persist through today with occasional cooling storms in the Acadiana area. A disturbance developing in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to bring heavy rainfall and potential flooding to the region beginning Monday.
Read moreSummer heat and humidity will persist through the weekend in Acadiana with temperatures reaching near 90 degrees and minimal chance of rain. Tropical moisture is expected to surge into the area early next week, bringing heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding risks.
Read moreSt. Landry Parish Government is distributing free sandbags to residents on a first-come, first-served basis at the Yambilee Building on June 12. The sandbags are being offered to help residents prepare for potential severe weather conditions. Residents are encouraged to arrive early as supplies are limited.
Read moreThe National Hurricane Center is monitoring a tropical disturbance in the southern Gulf of Mexico that could develop into the season's first tropical system. The system is expected to move northwest toward Mexico's east coast and will remain well south of the U.S. Gulf coast, posing minimal threat to Louisiana at this time.
Read moreThe U.S. men's soccer team dominated Paraguay 4-1 in their opening match of the World Cup returning to Louisiana for the first time in 32 years. Forward Folarin Balogun scored twice in the historic home victory. The tournament marks a significant sporting event for the state and region's soccer community and economy.
Read moreOvey Comeaux High School alumnus Landon Fitzgerald is providing financial support to help running back Ja'den Celestine attend football camps and boost his college recruitment prospects. Celestine helped lead the Comeaux football program and the assistance aims to help him showcase his talent to college programs and secure a scholarship amid uncertainty about the school's future.
Read moreNew fishing regulations are taking effect August 1st in the Atchafalaya Basin that will change daily catch limits and size requirements for bass and sac-a-lait. The changes were approved by state lawmakers and will apply to anglers fishing in the Basin and connected waterways in the St. Martin Parish area.
Read moreMMA fighter Joshua Dunbar is hosting a job fair in Saint Martinville on Tuesday in partnership with the OMA Foundation. The event aims to create employment opportunities for local residents in the Acadiana area.
Read moreLee Amedee from the University of Louisiana has won the prestigious Tony Gwynn Community Service Trophy, a national award recognizing exceptional community service. This is the second annual presentation of the award, which honors athletes dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities.
Read moreFriends, colleagues, and members of Acadiana's Creole community are honoring the legacy of award-winning journalist Ruth Foote, a pioneering storyteller. Foote's work helped preserve the region's rich history and culture for future generations. The remembrance celebrates her significant contributions to documenting and sharing Acadiana's heritage.
Read moreFloyd Brown, a legendary Louisiana swamp pop and country singer, has passed away at age 79 following a long battle with cancer. Brown left behind a significant musical legacy that blended the distinctive swamp pop and country genres characteristic of Louisiana's musical heritage. His contributions to regional music have made him an important figure in Acadiana's cultural history.
Read moreRuth Foote, a journalist dedicated to documenting and preserving Creole culture in the region, has passed away. Known for her empathetic and curious approach to storytelling, Foote gave voice to the people and events that shaped Acadiana's rich cultural heritage. Her work as an arts, history, and culture advocate left a lasting impact on the local community.
Read moreRuth Foote, a renowned Creole historian and journalist who dedicated her career to documenting the Louisiana Creole community, has passed away at age 67. Her work was instrumental in preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of Louisiana's Creole population. Foote's contributions to journalism and historical documentation have left a lasting impact on the community she served.
Read moreRaising Cane's, the chicken finger restaurant chain founded in Acadiana, has maintained an unchanged menu throughout its history despite founder Todd Ledford reportedly disliking one of its side dishes. The article explores the company's deliberate strategy of menu consistency as a core part of its business model, even when the founder himself is not a fan of every item offered.
Read moreOchsner Lafayette General and Oceans Healthcare officially opened Ochsner Behavioral Health Acadiana - Lafayette with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This new behavioral health hospital will provide mental health and psychiatric services to the Lafayette and Acadiana region. The facility represents a significant expansion of healthcare services in the local community.
Read moreAfter years of debate, the Lafayette Parish School Board has decided to permanently close Ovey Comeaux High School, with the school not reopening for the 2026-27 school year. An alumnus of the school has reflected on the closure, characterizing the decision as "complete arrogance." The closure comes after multiple previous attempts to shut down the institution.
Read moreComeaux school has been closed in a narrow 5-4 school board vote after months of turmoil affecting students and staff. The facility will be repurposed as the district's career center. The decision reflects deepening divisions within the school board.
Read moreThe Lafayette Parish School System has voted to close Ovey Comeaux High School on Thursday in a 5-4 board decision. This marks the third attempt by district leaders to close the school within two years. The closure represents a significant change for the local education system as the district moves forward with the plan.
Read moreA columnist argues that Lafayette's school board and superintendent have damaged public trust through their recent decisions, citing Comeaux High School as a prime example. The piece calls for school leaders to work on rebuilding confidence in their governance over the past two years of controversial actions.
Read moreLouisiana legislators have approved $9 million in funding to address the University of Louisiana's budget shortfall. While the allocation provides significant relief for the institution, it falls short of the $15 million that UL officials had requested. The partial funding will help stabilize the university's finances during a challenging fiscal period.
Read moreA sinkhole formed on E. Simcoe Street at General Macarthur in Lafayette, raising public safety concerns for area residents. The incident also resulted in damage to a nearby utility pole. According to Lafayette City-Parish Government, sinkholes form when ground integrity has been compromised.
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